While winter is officially here in just over a week, the 67-acre Osoyoos Desert Centre was the hot spot this past summer as visitors were treated to a wide diversity of plants and animals, some of which aren’t found anywhere else in the country.

(flickr.com)

The Osoyoos Desert Centre has become so popular that it was featured by New York Magazine. It’s one of many local businesses that has benefited from a strong summer tourism season in the Thompson Okanagan. Visitor centres have seen an increase in traffic of more than 5% and hotel occupancy rates were higher too in the area as well.

While summer tourism numbers are something to celebrate, local businesses are encouraging British Columbians to staycation and take in winter activities in all of B.C.’s regions. The Osoyoos Desert Centre is closed during winter but, there are plenty of other activities to take in around the Thompson Okanagan. It’s a reminder to British Columbians to enjoy what the region provides year round.

Staycations are a good way to keep your vacation dollars circulating in B.C.’s economy. By visiting regional events and venues, you’re not only supporting local businesses, you're also helping sustain important jobs in the tourism sector.

B.C.’s tourism sector is strong and growing and a key sector in the BC Jobs Plan. As an economic driver in the province, it employs 132,000 British Columbians, almost one in every 15 jobs in B.C. in 2013.

In 2014, 4.65 million international travellers came to B.C. That is a 5.8% increase and a quarter million more visitors than we welcomed in 2013. As well, so far in 2015 year-to-date custom entries are up 7.6% over the same period last year.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour –

“It really has been a remarkable year for attractions such as The Desert Centre and overall tourism growth in British Columbia. With this in mind, I urge British Columbians to keep that momentum going by enjoying a staycation in the fall and winter. See some of the world-class tourism activities that attract visitors from around the world.”

Denise Eastlick, executive director, Osoyoos Desert Society –

“The Desert Centre had a great season, welcoming thousands of visitors from across Canada, the United States, and around the world. Visitor numbers from Europe and Asia were particularly strong.

“The natural beauty of the Thompson Okanagan offers both visitors and residents alike an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy some of the many special experiences available in the region.”

Linda Larson, MLA Boundary-Similkameen –

“The Thompson, Okanagan and Boundary regions have a wide variety of fall and winter attractions for locals and visitors alike. There is so much to see and do right here at home that there is no need to leave beautiful B.C. to get the most from your vacation dollar.”

Marsha Walden, CEO Destination British Columbia –

“An estimated 19.1 million overnight visitors will travel around B.C. in 2015, with 57% of these trips being made by British Columbians. As they continue to explore their own beautiful province, and share those experiences with friends and family through their social networks, we can build on the amazing success we’re having in tourism.”

Quick Facts:

• British Columbians are encouraged to tweet their favourite winter staycation activity using the hashtags: #StaycationBC #ExploreBC or #SnowBetterPlace.
• The Province invests more than $90 million annually in the tourism sector in every region in the province.
• Staycations help boost domestic tourism revenues and local economies and support over 19,000 businesses and 132,000 jobs in the tourism sector in B.C.
• The BC Jobs Plan builds on the strengths of our key sectors and our educated and skilled workforce, keeping our province diverse, strong and growing.

Learn More:

Destination BC: www.DestinationBC.ca

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association: http://www.totabc.org

For trip planning ideas in the Thompson Okanagan and around BC: www.HelloBC.com

The Osoyoos Desert Centre: http://www.desert.org/index.php/desert-centre.html

BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/